Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 18th, 2012–Mar 19th, 2012
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Glacier.

The first kiss of sun often triggers avalanches. After a month of steady snow avalanches are expected with the sun. Pay attention to which slopes are receiving solar radiation. Cornices are also weakened by the sun and provide large triggers.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Dry

Yesterday, with a bit of sun the snow surface on solar aspects was moist below 1700m and snowballing was beginning. Strong solar is possible today. This will be the first real taste of sun since early February. Expect avalanches on solar aspects.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

SW'ly winds have loaded slopes, forming fat pockets and soft slabs at treeline and above. Wind slabs are triggerable with the potential for "step-down" avalanches to deeper instabilities. Winds are building huge cornices that are ready to drop.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The Feb persistant weak layers are down 1.5 to 2m. When triggered they have produced climax avalanches that have logged mature timber and hit standard uptracks. These layers will likely need a large trigger- cornice fall or another avalanche.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4